This week’s best movies for kids!

Wednesday 22 October 2014

New in Cinema

Book of Life (U)

Hidden in a secret museum exhibition is the Book of Life that contains all the stories in the history of the Mexican people. A mysterious tour guide decides to share one of the stories with Manolo, Joaquin and Maria, a group of students visiting the museum, friends, Manolo and Joaquin both fall for Maria and when she’s sent away to school, they vow to win her hand in marriage on her return.

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Watching the action unfold from the realms of the Dead, are the Guardian of the Land of the Remembered, a vibrant world full of happy spirits, and the mischievous Guardian of the Land of the Forgotten, a grey and miserable place. Taking the children’s lives into their hands, the Guardians make a bet on which boy will succeed in marrying Maria, that’s if she wants to get married to anyone!

A fun adventure steeped in folklore, exquisitely animated, this roller coaster of the imagination will have your feet tapping and your heart thumping as you cheer for your favourite and fight the urge to sing a long!

If you like this, why not try these other great films with similar themes?

Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, and things just get worse as the day goes on in this family comedy, based on a children’s book by Judith Viorst. From lima beans for dinner to teachers who do not understand him, Alexander faces a range of frustrations.

And things are not going much better for the rest of his family. While his brother flunks his driving test spectacularly, his father has an equally unsuccessful time at a job interview, and his baby sibling has possibly swallowed toxic ink. Alexander is determined that the day will not get the better of them, offering his family the philosophical advice: “You’ve just got to have the bad days so you can love the good days even more.”

New on DVD

Belle (12A)

Dido is the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy admiral in the 18th Century, who is brought as a child to be raised in the aristocratic home of her great-uncle and his wife. Her lineage leaves her an outsider – too high in rank to eat with the servants but too low to eat with the family, and left on the sidelines as her cousin Elizabeth seeks suitors for marriage.

When she meets an idealistic young vicar’s son who is caught up in a legal battle over a sunken slave ship, she is drawn to his passion for changing society, and questions her own place within it even more. Jane Austen-style romance and politics blend in this absorbing costume drama.

If you like this, why not try these other great films with similar themes?

Imitation of Life (1959, 12), Far From Heaven (2002, 12)

Maleficent (12A)

With her pointed headdress and imposing staff the wicked fairy Maleficent is one of Disney’s most iconic and sinister villains. This modern retelling takes the animated classic, Sleeping Beauty, as a starting point to tell the story of how a once-good fairy became the Mistress of All Evil.

The tale of Maleficent’s betrayal, the loss of her wings and her curse on Princess Aurora adds a darker tone to the story so expect dramatic battles and incredible new creatures alongside the familiar fairy tale fantasy.

If you like this, why not try these other great films with similar themes?

Into Film is a new film and education charity, supported by the BFI, which helps young people learn through and about film!From film clubs in schools, to interviewing the stars, to learning how to make your own films, there is lots to get involved with!Click here to find out more about Into Film